English (United States) 
Part 2 of 4
"Growth" from the Summer 2014 VISION Newsletter
The growth in inner authority:
The last article discussed growth in discipleship. We can also experience growth in something called “inner authority”. Mark 1:22 states: And they were astonished at His teaching; for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Once in a meeting, Chief Apostle Leber elaborated on the difference between outer and inner authority. Outer authority is important but relies on external factors such as title or position. Inner authority however is preferable. It is reflected within our actions and speech. It originates from that which we believe and know.
Jesus demonstrated a powerful inner authority. In this episode, He had no outer authority as defined by the norms of His time. But He could teach in a manner that captivated the attention of His contemporaries based upon His personally held convictions; His love for God, His understanding of His purpose within God’s plan and His knowledge of the scripture. In fact we could say He not only knew the scriptures, He “owned them” in a very personal way because they testified of Him and He was committed to fulfilling them.
We too can cultivate a strong personal inner conviction based upon our love for Jesus Christ, our appreciation for the grace of God that He allows in our lives and our understanding of our calling and purpose within the body of Christ. We can also know the Gospel, not as scholars but as those who understand its relevance and apply it to our lives continually.